Drinking is favored in boredom. There is an impulse to occupy quiet spaces. A resistance to risk letting your mind wander. Journal Prompts: Quiet means... When I am bored, I...

Alcohol can create the illusion of permission. Perhaps, it gives you the confidence to do or say things that you would otherwise find difficult. - Journal Prompts: Alcohol gives me permission to... The last time I did that without alcohol was...

Regulating emotions is a persistent motivation for alcohol use. Even if it is a net negative experience, alcohol can be still be quite dependable, which is to say, reinforcing. - Journal Prompts: The emotions I regulate with alcohol tend to be... I would love to put a barrier between me and feeling...

When alcohol becomes blind muscle memory rather than something you are present for, you might consider restructuring your pairing. If you always have alcohol with _____. Perhaps still do both, but separately. Unpairing empowers your awareness and disrupts the brain velcro to habits.

More than the number of drinks and how many days in a week you consume, the function of your drinking is arguably a more significant variable.